Become a Lifeguard

Why Lifeguarding?

Scottsdale Lifeguard

  • Lifeguarding is a fun and serious job!
  • You'll gain rewarding and beneficial experience, plus every day brings new adventures.
  • Learn money management, build self-confidence and a sense of responsibility, and impart basic work skills such as interviewing and working with colleagues.
  • Flexible work schedule.
  • Work in your neighborhood! Scottsdale has four pools, so one is near you.

Incentives for Summer 2024

  • 'Special duty pay' during the peak summer season from May 19 - Sept. 7, 2024! Base pay will increase to:
    • Lifeguard/Instructor - $16.00/hour
    • Head Lifeguard - $17.50/hour
    • Assistant Pool Manager - $19.00/hour
  • 100% of the StarGuard certification class reimbursed after 90 days of employment
  • $200 employee Referral Bonus!
  • More information about incentives available in job applicationslinks to external site

Getting Started

  • Here is how you get hired!
  • Sign up for a lifeguard or swim instructor class to become certified. Certifications are through StarGuard Elite and Starfish Aquatics Institute, taught at a Scottsdale Pool. (Class fees fully reimbursed after 90 days of employement!)
  • Sign up for a lifeguard or swim instructor class to become certified. Certifications are through StarGuard Elite and Starfish Aquatics Institute. Obtaining certifications does not guarantee job placement. See classes available and sign up here.links to external site
  • Fill out an application for the City of Scottsdale.  
  • Take a skills assessment with the city. The skills assessment formally assesses applicants on water rescue scenarios and CPR scenarios as well as an oral interview.
  • Note: Employment is based on skills assessments, facility needs, and applicants availability. Obtaining certifications does not guarantee job placement.

What will I Get Paid?

May 19 - Sept. 7, 2024, base pay is:
  • Lifeguard/Instructor - $16.00/hour
  • Head Lifeguard - $17.50/hour
  • Assistant Pool Manager - $19.00/hour
Starting Sept. 8, 2024, base pay is:
    • Lifeguard/Swim Instructor - $14.91/hour
    • Head Lifeguard - $16.44/hour
    • Assistant Manager - $18.14/hour

Contact Information

City of Scottsdale - Aquatics
15525 N. Thompson Peak Pkwy.
Scottsdale, AZ 85260
P: 480-312-6677

[email protected]